* The original goal was reached and we will now focus on putting donations towards, treats, toys, bedding or other needs they may require. Since the town requested the bite equipment returned, we will look to purchase new bite equipment and scent detection training aids. This way they can still train and work on the things they enjoy.
K-9 Joker and K-9 Bane were retired from the Oakboro Police Department on Wednesday 9/4/2024. The police department is actively pursuing disbandment and turning it over to the Sheriff’s Office. As the K-9 handler for both K-9’s, I worked tirelessly to raise monies to care for them as a K-9 unit. I raised close to $30,000.00 and used $7,500.00 just last year to place a new kennel, heat alarm system and door popper in my new patrol unit, as the town couldn’t afford to do so. The account had a remain balance of about $19,000.00. I requested the town to maintain those funds and continue to pay the K-9’s yearly vet expenses, dog food costs and end of life cremation, when that time comes. Those funds budgeted, should last the lifetime of the K-9’s. Also included in that amount was over $5,000.00 for K-9 Joker should he ever require the surgery for his nerve issue. I was just informed this evening and I quote “K-9 funds - these funds are part of the Town of Oakboro general funds and will be used to cover the prior year deficits in the general budget spent for K-9 unit/program.” The K-9 account in the general fund was not in a deficit in fact I saved the town thousands of dollars that were not spend, as it wasn’t even close to a deficit. Also a brand new bite suit was required to be turned in by a “board member” of the town, this item to was donated to me for the K-9’s. If the town no longer has a K-9 unit or a Oakboro Police Department, why was this requested by a board member, that is not a town employee.
These K-9’s served as patrol and community rolls. K-9 Joker was previously retired from patrol and assumed a Community K-9 roll. This was used to build lasting relationships within and outside the community. K-9 Joker visited schools, days cares, hospitals and other community organizations. K-9 Joker spread joy over the last three years with Toys for Tots, raising over $23,000.00 for kids throughout Stanly County.
I am heartbroken at the treatment being received and the lack of care or compassion for the K-9’s. I will now attempt to raise the funds on my own to ensure both of these K-9’s get the treatment and care they deserve.
Oakboro Mayor Christopher Huneycutt: [email protected]
Oakboro Town Administrator Georgia Harvey: [email protected]
Oakboro Board of Commissioners:
Bud Smith: [email protected]
Latoya Jackson [email protected]
Lanny Hathcock: [email protected]
Joey Carpenter: [email protected]
Brett Barbee: [email protected]
Respectfully,
Jason
Updates
We will now put efforts to funds to purchase new bite equipment since the town made us turn it in. We lost our bite suit and multiple bite sleeves for the dogs to continue to train or work with. It will also give opportunities for toys, treats, bedding and any other needs that may arise over time.
Took us one week and we surpassed our goal!!! Thank you everyone for donating, sharing and caring. These K-9’s are very blessed to have such a supportive following locally and from all over the world.
We have surpassed $17,000 in 5 days!!! We thank all of you for sharing, praying, commenting and donating. To the anonymous individual that donated $5,000.00, you are truly amazing!!! We can do this and we will do this! Much love for K-9’s Joker & Bane.
Much love to all of you, we are closing in on $12,000.00 raised in one week. We can do this and we will do this!
We just passed 24 hrs and have raised almost $4,000.00. Thank you all for everything you are doing and your willingness to support these K-9’s. It shouldn’t be this way and it should have been handled the right way.
We will miss the interaction with the community, especially the kids, we love you all 🐾❤️🐾
Donations & Comments
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This is from one working K9 family Service Dog edition to another.
I’m disgusted by how the town did this.
Thank you for all you do! Stealing those dogs funds & retiring them is the lowest thing I've heard in a long time. That money was donated to Joker and Bane in care of their handler.
God bless the 3 of y’all for the thankless job that you do everyday, putting your lives on the line. This makes me sick knowing that they can get away with this. I consider them no better than a lying thief! Has anyone thought about starting a petition to have them removed? I’m thankful that you were able to keep your “fur” babies, they’re beautiful. Stay safe 💙
Non-Donor Comments
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After all that Asst. Chief Eschert has done with these K9’s for the town of Oakboro, for them to be treated in this way is absolutely DISGUSTING! Donations were made for the K9’s, for their care and treatments NOT to be used to cover deficits in the general budget. This is shameful and I imagine anyone who donated will be disgusted at this turn of events and frankly those responsible for this disregard of such brilliant assets should bow their heads in shame. Not only have Joker & Bane done an outstanding job of keeping the town safe but they have represented Oakboro & the K9 program in an exemplary fashion, representing your town not only throughout your country but internationally too (through social media). It must feel like a kick in the teeth to Asst. Chief Eschert after the effort and commitment he and his family have given to keeping their town safe. Asst. Chief, my heart is breaking for you and your boys. Your engagement on social media has been entertaining, inspirational and educational. I pray that you raise enough funds to enable you to keep those boys fit & well. I’m sending a small donation from here in the UK- I’m only sorry that I can’t give more. Hold your head high Sir! Much respect - Jo